Buyers Guide

Buying Guide Triumph Spitfire
This perfect introduction to classic car ownership is still affordable – just – so act fast Words RICHARD DREDGE Photography JON COLLEY Seven steps to buying a Triumph SpitfireBargains at one end, investments at the other – so buy a Spitfire now! Buying Guide With early Triumph Spitfires making big money, now’s the time to buy What to pay You can still find a scruffy 1500 for as little as £3400, but it’ll probably need bodywork attention.
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Buyer’s guide Ford Escort RS Cosworth Mk5
The road and rally legend created a storm when it was launched in 1992 and 31 years on, its status has only grown — as have the values. Here’s what you need to know if you’re in the market for one. Words Christian Tilbury Photos Magic Car Pics BUYING GUIDE: Escort Cosworth - What to check when buying Ford’s performance icon.
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Buying Guide Aston Martin V8 Vantage - 2005-2017
Can you afford to buy, run and repair a 4.3- or 4.7-litre V8-powered Vantage that was manufactured between 2005 and 2017? Find out the answers with our comprehensive buying guide.
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Buyers’ Guide Porsche 911 Turbo 964
The 964 was the last old-school Turbo, but today it’s much-prized by collectors. Here’s your in-depth look at both the 3.3- and 3.6-litre models. Written by Kieron Fennelly 3.3 VS 3.6: HOW TO BUY A PORSCHE 964 TURBOPorsche Index: 964 Turbo - Kieron Fennelly unearths all the facts you need on both the 3.3- and 3.6-litre 964 Turbo HISTORY & TECH The 964 Turbo is famously almost the 911 Turbo that never was.
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Buying Guide Ford Capri MkI
Cooler than ever and with values rising, it’s time to buy a Euro-Mustang Words JAMES WALSHE Photography MAGIC CAR PICS Buying Guide With prices hiked but unhyped – it’s the ideal time to buy a MkI Ford CapriThe height of suburban cool when new and with race track cred to boot, the first Ford Capri spent decades out of fashion before emerging as a classic. These early cars have curves-and-chrome appeal, are more practical than an MG BGT, and prices are on a gradual journey upwards.
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Buyer’s guide Ford Fiesta Mk1
A bold step forward for Ford, the original Fiesta quickly established itself as a major success. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of buying the 1970s supermini. Words Christian Tilbury Photos Adrian Brannan BUYING GUIDE: Mk1 FiestaWhat to check when buying Ford’s original supermini. Ford might have been distinctly late to the supermini party, but it certainly made an entrance with the Fiesta.
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Buying Guide Porsche 924 Turbo
A sharp rise in the value of turbocharged retro Porsches has seen the 924 Turbo evolve from one of the marque's most overlooked sports cars to a much appreciated modern classic...
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Buying Guide Honda S2000
With numbers thinning and prices rising, now’s the time to move Words RICHARD DREDGE, JAMES WALSHE AND SAM DAWSON Photography MAGIC CAR PICS Buying Guide It’s time to buy the Nineties’ most sought-after roadster – Honda’s S2000 Honda took nearly a decade to respond to arch-rival Mazda’s MX-5, but with the S2000 it established a new performance benchmark for small sports cars.
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Buying Guide Fiat/Bertone X1/9
This lithe and nimble mid-engined sports car from the 1970s/1980s is now a credible and collectable classic. Discover the potential pitfalls, costs and problems when buying what was known as a baby Ferrari. Report by ROB HAWKINS Buying Guide The lithe and nimble Fiat/Bertone X1/9 If you are looking for a classic and practical mid-engined two-seater open-top sports car, then the Fiat X1/9 is worth considering alongside later alternatives such as the Toyota MR2, MGF/TF and Lotus Elise.
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Buying Guide 1962-1969 Daimler V8
What you need to know to buy the Mk2’s less popular sibling. WORDS: SAM SKELTON PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL WALTON BUYING A DAIMLER V8Tempted by a 2.5 V8 or V8-250? We show you what to look for. When Jaguar bought Daimler in 1960, plans to launch a smaller saloon based on the Vauxhall Cresta were abandoned.
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Buying Guide BMW E21 3 Series
It’s now 48 years since the original E21 replaced the much-loved ’02, itself one of the two ranges that saved BMW, and the first-gen 3 Series makes for an alluring used buy that won’t break the bank. Words: Andrew Everett Photos: Felix Bluethner Iconized Ltd, Aaron Lam Buying Guide: BMW E21 3 Series The first-generation 3 Series is a classic icon and it makes for an excellent retro purchase, with prices still relatively reasonable. Our in-depth guide will help you find the perfect example.
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Buying Guide Ferrari 550 Maranello
Ferrari’s front-engined V12 supercar is now an appreciating asset, so here’s how to buy one and ensure it stays that way. Words NIGEL BOOTHMAN Photography TOM WOOD Eight steps to buying a Ferrari 550 MaranelloBuying Guide How to buy the surprisingly easy-living Ferrari 550 Maranello Once it got depreciation out of the way from its £143k launch price, the Ferrari 550 Maranello has increased in value since it was discontinued, with the best now nudging £100k.
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Buying Guide Peugeot 505 1979-1986
As happened with several Peugeots, the style house of Pininfarina designed the 505. First came the SR and the STI. In 1983, the STI was upgraded to include central locking, electric windows all round, and a new console. As is so often the case, the twodoor coup. was by far the most attractive version, but this one was not officially imported to South Africa. Gallic comfort PACKAGING Deep-pile cloth seat upholstery and well-padded cushions just added to the 505’s luxury feel.
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Buying guide Ford Capri 280 Mk3
Ford’s final, limited-edition 280 became a collectible classic as soon as it was announced. 37 years on, here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of buying one. Words Christian Tilbury Photos Magic Car Pics BUYERS GUIDE: Ford Capri 280 What you need to know when buying the final Mk3 Capri.
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